Page 152 - PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Pride and Prejudice

how fond the two sisters were of Jane, and to be certain
that they must desire the connection as much as she could
do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her
younger daughters, as Jane’s marrying so greatly must

throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it
was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her
single daughters to the care of their sister, that she might
not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It
was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of
pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette; but
no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to find comfort in
staying home at any period of her life. She concluded with
many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be equally
fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing
there was no chance of it.
In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity
of her mother’s words, or persuade her to describe her
felicity in a less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible
vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was
overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her
mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.
‘What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid
of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility
as to be obliged to say nothing HE may not like to hear.’

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